Lasercutting . Colour . Design . Print .

I am embarking on a new body of research and creative work.This seems like the perfect place to upload images, ideas and research links as a way of gathering information, not only for myself but for others as well.

Although still captivated by concepts of space, my artistic practice has evolved to reflect my personal experience of death. In recent months I have become increasingly interested in the role colour plays in relation to death, ritual and celebration, particularly by cultures other than our own.

My practice is now concerned with creating work which opens up a discussion about how we engage with life and death celebrations as a culture, using colour as one of the tools to do this.

Across the world people use colour, light, shrines, rituals and offerings to connect with their lost ones and integrate this into their everyday lives. I’m fascinated by the way death and the dying process is integrated into their lives and that they find ways to celebrate their ancestors as a community. It is this sense of ‘togetherness’ and engagement which I feel is lacking within our culture. I want to research and explore the artists, thinkers, and ethnographers who've looked at this in depth.

Through my own grieving process I’ve realised the importance of integrating memories of my loved ones into my daily life. As a result, I’ve been inspired to build a series of shrines around my home and garden to honour and celebrate my ancestors.

As part of my research (and an amazing excuse for an adventure) I spent 3 weeks in South India. Whilst there, I was able to experience first hand the roles that both colour and religion play within the Indian culture. I find it extraordinary, beautiful and refreshing that there is such a strong interplay between the two. I will do another post dedicated to my India travels but here is a photo I love of a flower garland stall outside a temple which are everywhere.